#1 spread out v. move outward; "The soldiers fanned out". wn #2 spread out v. set out or stretch in a line, succession, or series; "the houses were strung out in a long row". wn #3 spread out v. strew or distribute over an area; "He spread fertilizer over the lawn"; "scatter cards across the table". wn #4 spread out v. extend in one or more directions; "The dough expands". wn #5 spread out v. turn outward; "These birds can splay out their toes"; "ballet dancers can rotate their legs out by 90 degrees". wn